Our Top Treadmill Picks:

Our Top Treadmill Picks:

o go a step further, here are the cream of the crop treadmills.  Click the links to read our full reviews.

#1. Overall Features & Quality:  LifeSpan TR 1200i Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill is a great overall treadmill with a ton of excellent features.  Starting with the design, it has a 2.5 CHP motor that will allow running speeds up to 11 mph. The 20”x56” will accommodate most runners, the 2.5” front rollers and 2” rear rollers will provide smooth and quiet performance and the 2-ply belt will ensure years of use. This treadmill also provides up to 15% incline so that you can adjust your workout intensity.

LifeSpan also packs the TR1200i Folding Treadmill with some great convenience features. First their patented Intelli-Step feature counts steps by sensing each time your foot lands on the treadmill belt. This step count is then displayed on the console. Using this same technology, LifeSpan also provides the Intelli-Guard safety feature will automatically pauses your workout if you step off of the belt. Finally, LifeSpan has equipped the TR1200i Folding Treadmill with 17 programmed workouts and they also provide a full membership to the LifeSpan Club with the purchase. With these features you’ll have a ton of exercise options and the ability to track your improvements from one workout to the other.

Click here for our full review of the LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill.

#2. Excellent Value:  Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill

The entry level Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill can’t be beat coming in at a great budget-friendly price. This treadmill is ideal for someone new to walking, jogging or running. It has some great features that you don’t typically find on an entry-level treadmill that will keep you interested in running. The best two features are heart rate monitoring and programmed workouts on the console. Heart rate monitoring is ideal for improving your fitness. The fact that the Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill provides this option will ensure that you are getting a serious workout. If you do your research, you might be lucky to find another treadmill under $300 that provides heart rate monitoring, but you will not likely find one with programmed workouts. At this price, it is truly unbelievable that you are getting six (6) programmed treadmill workouts. These workouts take all of the guess work out of trying to find a good exercise routine.

This treadmill is specifically designed for weight loss and intensity training. The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill is definitely a recommended buy.

Click here for our full review of the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill.

#3. High End + High Quality:  SOLE F80 Treadmill

The SOLE F80 Treadmill is an excellent machine that clinches the title for best treadmill in its price range. The SOLE Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill comes with 15 program profiles that focus on fat burning, cardio health, strength and simulate hill and interval training. It also includes a chest strap heart rate monitor and has MP3 compatibility. What sets the SOLE F80 Folding Treadmill apart is the quality features that you get for the price. You get a huge 22”x60” running surface powered by a large 3.5 CHP motor and 2.75” high-end rollers. The belt itself is double woven 2-ply over a middle PVC layer with a nylon backing to provide a smooth, durable surface that is free from stretching. The deck is also design to absorb up to 40% of your impact to provide a pain-free and comfortable workout. Finally, the Easy Assist Folding Deck design basically unfolds itself and locks in place when folded. These are design elements that you are typically going to have to spend a lot more on, but SOLE Fitness is providing them in the F80 Folding Treadmill at a very reasonable price.

Click here for our full review of the SOLE F80 Treadmill.

Treadmill Features to Consider

Treadmill Running Surface Size

Your first consideration for a treadmill should be the running surface size. The largest running surfaces you are going to find are about 60-62” in length and 20-22” wide. The reason this is so important is because you want to make sure that the treadmill’s belt can accommodate your full running stride. A couple inches too short and you’ll either be tripping on the front of the treadmill or you’ll be coming off the back. In order to get the full effectiveness of the exercise you need to make sure you’re performing full exertion and not artificially shortening your running stride.  Just keep in mind that a compact treadmill can be good for space saving but might not be right for your stride length.

[ MORE:  Three Best Treadmill Workouts for Any Fitness Level ]

Treadmill Incline

All the best treadmills provide an incline option, but there are some varied incline features to take note of. A good degree of incline on a treadmill is 15%. This is provided on a lot of models and gets the job done. The main feature you want to look for on an incline treadmill, however, is electronic adjustability. This is important so that you can increase or decrease your intensity while not stopping your workout tomake a manual adjustment. There are some other great features when it comes to incline treadmills, like negative incline, or decline. The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill provides this incline feature, which simulates downhill running and adds another option to your exercise routine.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Again, heart rate monitoring is an option that is provided on nearly every treadmill, but its accuracy is extremely important. Heart rate monitoring can be achieved by a thumb sensor, contact sensors on the grips or by a chest strap. The most accurate and convenient of these is the chest strap. This allows you to get into your running style and not have to worry about grabbing anything to take a reading. Additionally, the continual heart rate tracking from the chest strap provides far more accurate readings.

Treadmill Computer Features

One complaint from people who don’t like running is that it’s boring. Well, not with a good treadmill computer. A good computer will provide programmed workouts designed by personal trainers. These workouts automatically speed up the treadmill and adjust incline to ensure an optimal workout. The best treadmills will connect to features away from the treadmill like fitness apps or the manufacturer’s own website. Features like these allow you to download exercise data so that you can track your improvement.

Overall Quality

Though this is the last topic we’re hitting on, when you’re purchasing any piece of exercise equipment, you absolutely want one that is durable and built with superior quality.  You want it to stand up to a lot of workouts.

There are many of components on a treadmill that can give you a good read on its quality; don’t just rely on the brand name. Take a look at things like the construction of the belt. Is it single ply or double ply? The better the belt, the longer it will last. Is it a fully portable treadmill or do you really just need a folding treadmill?  How many rollers are in the deck and what size are they? A quiet and smooth treadmill will have more rollers and larger rollers. How big it the motor on the treadmill? Motors typically range from 2.0 continuous horsepower (CHP) to 4.0. Again, the larger the motor the better performance you are going to get out of the treadmill. There are a lot of components that you can compare in order to make an educated buying decision…don’t just count on the name.

Benefits of Running on a Treadmill and How It Works

Calorie Burning

No question, running is the best exercise for burning calories. Couple that with specific workouts designed for that purpose and you will shed pounds in no time. Exercises like interval training or high intensity interval training (HIIT) are ideal for calorie burning. These exercises raises the heart rate quickly, causing the body to use more oxygen during the lower interval, which it turn burns more calories than normal workouts. Treadmills are ideal for performing these workouts as you are only limited by what your body can put out. You’re not restricted by the mechanics of a bike, elliptical or stepper.

Excellent Cardio Workout

As we said with calorie burning, there’s nothing like running and using a treadmill to get the heart rate up for an intense cardio workout. While HIIT is great for increasing metabolism and burning fat, it is also great for building stamina and endurance. Additionally, running at a slower rate for longer periods of time is also great at cardio workout for building endurance. Both of these exercises are equally effective on a treadmill, in a controlled environment, where you don’t need to worry about passing cars and changing road conditions. These are true advantages of having a home treadmill.

Lower Impact than Running

A lot of runner’s experience joint pain or some type of lower body injury in their lifetime. Running on a treadmill can alleviate a lot of these pains. There is less impact than running on pavement or concrete. Treadmill decks are designed with this need in mind. There are a lot of technologies in treadmills that can absorb 40% of this impact or even more. Forget the saying, “No Pain, No Gain.” Get a treadmill and enjoy the best of both worlds.

You’ll Feel Awesome

Have you ever heard of “Runner’s High?” It’s a real thing. It’s the reason that runners often become addicted with the exercise. Running releases endorphins into the brain and can create mood changing responses. Endorphins are said to be the brain’s naturally created opiates. So there’s no better way to feel great than to get on your treadmill at home at put in a 30-45 minute workout.

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Other Treadmill Considerations

Treadmill Maintenance

Equipment maintenance really a vital component of keeping your treadmill in great working order. Most people overlook this and are confused when the machine starts to fail. After an intense workout, maintenance is the last thing you want to worry about, but you should always wipe down your treadmill after you workout.  There will be sweat if you’re doing it right. Some treadmills require oiling or lubricating, so make sure you do your research before making your purchase.

Running Shoes

Good running shoes are also of utmost important when exercising on a treadmill. There are a lot of stores out there that can diagnose your running style and put you in a proper shoe. Not that you need to go that far, but you should be looking for a lightweight shoes with support and cushioning. Don’t forget to lace them tight and double knot them. We’ve all tripped on our laces when they’ve come untied. Don’t let this happen to you!

Treadmill Workouts

Finally, we want to talk about workouts. You need to look for one that is going to accomplish what you are looking for. Are you trying to lose weight? Are you training for a 5K? Do you just want to get healthy? You can find plenty of running regimes with a quick search on Google or YouTube. We’d highly recommend that you give interval training a try. A good interval workout can generally accomplish any goal that you are looking to achieve.

Final Word on Finding the Best Treadmill for You

So here’s the final word(s) on buying a home treadmill…no more excuses. When you hear people talk about running, you no longer need to respond, “I just can’t get into running,” or “I’ve tried and I just can’t run.”  With a home treadmill, there’s no need to make excuses because of any insecurities you may have about running at the gym or in public. No more excuses for not getting to the gym for a workout. With your own home treadmill exercising in a highly effective and low-impact way is within close reach.

There are a ton of choices in treadmills at almost every price point. Treadmills come with a ton of options these days; incline, decline, heart rate monitoring, cooling fans, MP3 compatibility, mobile device connection, programmed exercise programs and connectivity to the outside world. Take a close look at them all and keep your goals in mind. The best treadmill is out there for you.  We hope this guide has helped you get a better picture of what’s out there and what a great treadmill can do for you.